Summary Of Breast Reconstructions Options
Breast Implant/ Expander
Advantages
-
Breast Implant / Expander
-
Short Operation
-
Good results are possible in selected cases
Disadvantages
-
Limited size of breast due to lack of skin
-
Scar capsule problems
-
Implant infection
-
Implant exposure
-
May require Alloderm for implant coverage
Breast Implant with Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap
Advantages
-
Intermediate length procedure
-
Good results are possible
Disadvantages
-
Implant infection
-
Scar capsule
-
Large back scar
-
Loss of muscle function
-
May require Alloderm for implant coverage
Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap
Advantages
-
Autogenous Tissue
-
Soft natural breast
-
Reliable blood supply
-
Fair to good size
Disadvantages
-
Often limited breast size
-
Large back scar
-
Loss of muscle function
TRAM Myocutaneous Flap
Advantages
-
Autogenous Tissue
-
Soft natural breast
-
Reliable blood supply
-
Large breast mound
-
Abdominoplasty Closure
Disadvantages
-
Includes some muscle and fascia
-
Abdominal weakness
-
Occasional need for mesh to support abdominal fascia repair
Free TRAM, Transverse Rectus Abdominis Flap
Advantages
-
Autogenous Tissue
-
Soft natural breast
-
Excellent blood supply
-
Large breast mound
Disadvantages
-
More complex procedure
-
Removes a little muscle and fascia
-
Abdominal weakness and hernia are less than with pedicle TRAM flaps
DIEP, Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator, Flap
Advantages
-
Autogenous Tissue
-
Soft natural breast
-
Good to excellent blood supply
-
Large breast mound
-
Minimal violation of fascia and muscle
Disadvantages
-
More complex dissection than free TRAM
-
Cuts rectus abdominis fascia, and dissects through muscle
-
Potential abdominal hernia or weakness
SIEP, Superficial Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap
Advantages
-
Autogenous Tissue
-
Soft natural breast
-
Good to excellent blood supply
-
Large breast mound
-
No violation of fascia or muscle
-
Abdominoplasty closure
Disadvantages
-
Complex dissection
-
Variable vascular pattern
S-GAP, Superior Gluteal Artery Perforator
Advantages
-
Autogenous Tissue
-
Soft natural breast
-
Good blood supply
-
Large breast mound
-
Well hidden scar
Disadvantages
-
Complex dissection
-
Requires patient position changes during surgery
I-GAP, Inferior Gluteal Artery Perforator Flaps
Advantages
-
Autogenous Tissue
-
Soft natural breast
-
Good blood supply
-
Large breast mound
-
Well hidden scar
Disadvantages
-
Complex dissection
-
Requires patient position changes during surgery
A Diagnosis of Breast Cancer Can Have Devastating Effects On a Woman and Her Family

Our Reconstructive Services Offer Patients a Whole New Outlook on Life